Car insurance in Northern Cyprus
Basic car insurance of the Third Party Insurance type is mandatory for all car owners in Northern Cyprus. The fine for not having valid insurance is calculated as 25% of the minimum gross salary. The cost of the policy depends on the driver’s age, engine capacity, car age, and insurance history, and can start at approximately 2,380 TL according to drivers' reviews.
- Car Insurance in Northern Cyprus
- Where to Buy Car Insurance
- How Much It Costs to Insure a Car
- Insurance Coverage Limits
- What to Do in Case of an Accident
- Frequently Asked Questions
Car Insurance in Northern Cyprus
Third Party Insurance is mandatory liability insurance (analogous to OSAGO). It covers damage you cause to other road users, as well as harm to third parties’ health resulting from an accident.
Important: a basic policy usually does not cover repairs to your vehicle. For extended coverage, additional insurance is typically arranged (often referred to as Kasko).
Where to Buy Car Insurance
You can obtain a policy through insurance companies and agents. On maps and shop signs, the terms sigorta or trafik sigorta are commonly seen.
Insurance in Northern Cyprus can also sometimes be arranged through a bank: some banks offer insurance products and installment payment options.
How to Do It
- Prepare vehicle and owner details: number, make/model, year, engine capacity, and driver(s) information.
- Choose the type of policy: named driver (cheaper) or any driver (more expensive).
- Compare offers from 2–3 companies and clarify coverage limits.
- Pay for the policy and keep the document (both electronic and printed) for inspections.
How Much It Costs to Insure a Car
The insurance cost is determined by several factors:
- driver’s age;
- car age;
- engine capacity;
- insurance history (no-claims record);
- policy type (named driver or any driver).
According to members of the largest Northern Cyprus Telegram forum, examples include (as a reference, amounts vary by conditions):
- 2,380 TL with a long no-claims history;
- options mentioned for a 2020 Toyota RAV4 and for an ATV (figures vary depending on the insurer and vehicle category).
Real cases can be discussed in the dedicated car chat.
Insurance Coverage Limits
Basic liability insurance usually specifies limits for medical coverage and third-party property damage. This article provides typical reference limits found in standard policies:
| Coverage | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical coverage (private vehicles) | 8,000,000 TL | If a third party is injured in an accident |
| Medical coverage (commercial vehicles) | 15,000,000 TL | For commercial transport |
| Damage to another vehicle | Up to 500,000 TL | Limit can be increased for an additional fee |
If you plan to drive your car to the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), separate insurance is usually required at the border. Practical guidance and details are in the article: How to drive from Northern Cyprus to the Republic of Cyprus (southern part).
What to Do in Case of an Accident
If you are involved in an accident, it is generally recommended to call the police immediately and not move the vehicle until the circumstances are recorded (if possible and safe). A breathalyzer test should be conducted within 60 minutes of the accident. Vehicle repairs should only begin after the accident officer records the situation and the insurance company gives confirmation.
Step-by-step instructions are in a separate article: What to do if you have an accident in Northern Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for not having insurance?
The fine is calculated as 25% of the minimum gross salary.
What does basic insurance include?
Generally, a basic policy covers damage caused to third parties (including medical costs within limits) and may include services such as towing. Repairs to your own vehicle are usually not included in basic liability.
When should an accident be reported to insurance?
Claims are usually submitted within 24 hours of causing damage to a vehicle.
Is insurance needed if the car is newly purchased or being registered?
Yes, the minimum mandatory coverage is required to legally participate in traffic. If you are only planning a purchase, useful guidance: Buying a car in Northern Cyprus without residency.
Are insurance, road tax, and vehicle inspection linked?
In practice, documents are usually checked together. It is important to pay road tax (Road Tax) on time and undergo vehicle inspection (muayene).
If I rent a car, is insurance required?
Yes. Official rent-a-car company vehicles usually have red plates and proper documentation. More details: Car rental in Northern Cyprus.
Additional questions can be asked in the Telegram chat “AutoCHAT”.
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I am a person who is not afraid to change life when my heart tells me that something greater lies ahead. I am originally from Belarus. I have journeyed from pedagogical and economic education to the financial sector and many years of work in logistics — a world where everything moves, changes,…